A Parent's Guide to Confidence, Friendships, and Belonging
Moving abroad is exciting, but for children, starting a new school often means so much more than a new building and a new timetable. It means a new language, new social rules, new routines, and the quiet work of figuring out where they belong.
Written by Susan Saxtorph, a Danish special educator, psychologist, and expat parent living in Bangkok, this 34-page digital guide brings together research-informed insight and real, practical tools for the families navigating it all.
Inside, you'll discover:
Why a school transition is one of the biggest changes a child can experience, and why it's about far more than academics
The four stages of the Adjustment Curve (Honeymoon, Frustration, Adaptation, Belonging), so you always know what's normal and what to expect next
How to choose between an international school and a local school — and why the type of school matters less than the support around your child
What's really happening behind common first-weeks reactions like clinginess, tearfulness, or "after-school restraint collapse"
Why friendships abroad take time, and how to support your child without pressuring them
How to respond when your child says "I want to go home" and what those words usually really mean
Practical tools for naming, validating, and supporting big feelings
A guided Family Action Plan to turn reflection into small, doable next steps
Space throughout for you to reflect on your own experience as a parent because you're adjusting too
This guide is for you if:
Your family has recently moved abroad, or is preparing to
Your child is starting at a new international or local school
You want to understand what's happening beneath your child's behaviour, not just manage it
You're looking for research-backed, compassionate, practical guidance written specifically for expat and Third Culture Kid families
Format: Instant digital download (PDF), 34 pages. Print at home or use on any device.
Disclaimer
Little Humans Abroad provides educational resources and support for families living abroad. Our materials are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for therapy, counselling, psychological treatment, or medical advice.
Every child and family is unique, and outcomes may vary. If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please consult a qualified professional.
By purchasing or using our resources, you agree to this disclaimer.
A Parent's Guide to Confidence, Friendships, and Belonging
Moving abroad is exciting, but for children, starting a new school often means so much more than a new building and a new timetable. It means a new language, new social rules, new routines, and the quiet work of figuring out where they belong.
Written by Susan Saxtorph, a Danish special educator, psychologist, and expat parent living in Bangkok, this 34-page digital guide brings together research-informed insight and real, practical tools for the families navigating it all.
Inside, you'll discover:
Why a school transition is one of the biggest changes a child can experience, and why it's about far more than academics
The four stages of the Adjustment Curve (Honeymoon, Frustration, Adaptation, Belonging), so you always know what's normal and what to expect next
How to choose between an international school and a local school — and why the type of school matters less than the support around your child
What's really happening behind common first-weeks reactions like clinginess, tearfulness, or "after-school restraint collapse"
Why friendships abroad take time, and how to support your child without pressuring them
How to respond when your child says "I want to go home" and what those words usually really mean
Practical tools for naming, validating, and supporting big feelings
A guided Family Action Plan to turn reflection into small, doable next steps
Space throughout for you to reflect on your own experience as a parent because you're adjusting too
This guide is for you if:
Your family has recently moved abroad, or is preparing to
Your child is starting at a new international or local school
You want to understand what's happening beneath your child's behaviour, not just manage it
You're looking for research-backed, compassionate, practical guidance written specifically for expat and Third Culture Kid families
Format: Instant digital download (PDF), 34 pages. Print at home or use on any device.
Disclaimer
Little Humans Abroad provides educational resources and support for families living abroad. Our materials are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for therapy, counselling, psychological treatment, or medical advice.
Every child and family is unique, and outcomes may vary. If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please consult a qualified professional.
By purchasing or using our resources, you agree to this disclaimer.
